Shell, Pele and Pavegen Unveil First Football Pitch to be Powered by Players' Footsteps

Pitch set to inspire next generation of scientists to tackle the global energy challenge

Brazilian football legend Pele today helped Shell shine a light on the world's energy future by unveiling a first-of-its-kind player-powered community football pitch in the heart of a Rio de Janeiro favela.

As a real-world example that ideas can come from anywhere, Shell has used the invention of a young entrepreneur to solve a challenge for the Morro da Mineira community. The football pitch, a key part of life for favela residents, was refurbished by Shell using 200 high-tech, underground tiles that capture kinetic energy created by the movement of the players. This energy is then stored and combined with the power generated by solar panels next to the pitch to convert into renewable electricity for the new floodlights, giving everyone in the favela, and especially young people, a safe and secure community space at night.

Andre Araujo, Shell Brazil Country Chair, said: "By 2050, the world will be using 75 per cent more energy than it does now. Meeting that extra demand will require a set of energy sources - and a new generation of scientists and engineers with the passion, ideas and innovation to develop it."

Mr Araujo also explained: "The pitch proves the potential and power when scientists and entrepreneurs focus their efforts to develop creative and innovative energy solutions. By tapping into the world's passion and interest in football, we aim to capture the attention of youngsters around the world so they think differently about energy and the opportunity of science studies and careers."

Pele who joined Shell to officially open the pitch, said: "Football is Brazil's biggest passion and the sport has gone through so much technological innovation since the last time I played. This new pitch shows the extraordinary things possible when science and sport come together. The Morro da Mineira community will now be able to use this sports facility as a safe gathering place - all thanks to the floodlights powered by the community's football players."

The Morro da Mineira project is part of the Shell #makethefuture programme, which aims to inspire young people and entrepreneurs to look at science and engineering as a career choice, and in particular use their minds to develop energy solutions for the future of the planet. For more than 30 years, the international Shell LiveWIRE programme, alongside other Shell science, education and innovation programmes, has been a catalyst for young entrepreneurs and students to develop enterprising ideas into viable and sustainable businesses. The kinetic technology used at this football pitch has been developed by a grant recipient of the UK Shell LiveWIRE.

Laurence Kemball-Cook, Pavegen founder and CEO and Shell LiveWIRE UK Young Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist in 2011, said: "Having received support from Shell to develop my vision, I'm lucky enough to now use my ideas to meet the energy challenge. This new football pitch is an exciting example that every child in a classroom can understand and see first-hand the vital role technology and innovation play in shaping our planet not only now, but in the future."

Pedro Veiga, coordinator of the Rio+Social programme of the Instituto Pereira Passos (IPP) added: "To have a project like this on our doorstep will make a real difference to Morro da Mineira. Until it was redeveloped by Shell, the football pitch was largely unusable and many of our young people were being forced to play in the streets. You never know, this example of innovation might even inspire some of the kids to dream of being the next Isaac Newton!"

Shell believes that in the power of people's ingenuity lie the answers to tomorrow's challenges and that by bringing people together, people can #makethefuture today. For more surprising examples of science in action and to hear from inspired young scientists from around the world visit YouTube.com/shellletsgo.

Posted by Geert van de Wouw, this blog is the second of a special Shell LiveWIRE Global Entrepreneurship Week series celebrating innovation and using it to take your business idea and 'Make it Happen!'

We’re delighted to welcome Ehab Sayed to our alumni network!
As the latest winner our of Smarter Future Award, Ehab has won £5,000 to further develop his start-up, Biohm Ltd.
Biohm aims to create a healthier and more sustainable environment with their bio-based construction materials.
Find out more about June’s Smarter Future Award winner: https://go.shell.com/2OOPFFB

Posted on Aug 07 2018 09:59am

‘Due to our rising population, which is estimated to hit 10 billion people by the year 2050, resources will become strained, especially food products. Innovations in the way we produce our food, which is both sustainable and environmentally friendly, will help accommodate the population rise.’
As the global population continues to rise the way we source and produce food will dramatically change. In our latest blog, Innovate UK highlights the opportunities this creates for entrepreneurs and innovators with game-changing ideas, such as Shell LiveWIRE alumni LettUs Grow and Phytophics who are already disrupting this sector!
Head to our website to read the full article: https://go.shell.com/2Avs3D4

Posted on Aug 01 2018 10:10am

‘Ask for help. The entrepreneurial community is fantastically supportive, and most people will gladly help you.’
Douglas Martin won our £25,000 Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award earlier this year for his start-up MiAlgae, which aims to eliminate the livestock industry’s reliance on fishmeal by growing microalgae rich in omega 3 and other nutrients which can be used as substitute feed.
We recently sat down with Douglas to find out more about his start-up, plans for the future and what advice he has for entrepreneurs!
Find out more in our latest Featured Business of the Month interview: https://go.shell.com/2LK3Fia